Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross. December 25 will be Clara's 200th birthday.

Clara is one of the most honored women in American history. From a young age she was dedicated to service and helping others.

Clara started her career in Washington, D.C., as one of the first women to work in the Federal Government. She was in D.C. at the start of the Civil War, and while residents in the capital were alarmed and confused, Clara recognized the immediate need to help these newly recruited troops.

Clara spent the early days of the war collecting food and supplies for the Union Army, but she knew that, despite her efforts in Washington, there was more work left to be done.

She lobbied leaders in the government and the Union Army to give her passes to bring her voluntary services to the battlefield. From that moment on, Clara and her volunteers risked their lives heading to the scenes of battle and field hospitals to volunteer their time and deliver needed medical services.

Following her volunteer service in the Civil War, Clara visited Europe and was introduced to the Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland. There she learned of the Geneva Treaty, an international agreement to protect the sick and wounded during wartime without respect to nationality, and for the formation of national societies to give aid voluntarily on a neutral basis.

Clara was a woman of action. When she saw a need, she found practical ways to address it. After learning of this global Red Cross Network, Clara returned to the United States and would fight for the ratification of this treaty by the United States.

In 1881, Clara founded the American Red Cross and, in 1882, the United States would sign the Geneva Convention treaty. The American Red Cross received their first congressional charter in 1900. For 20 years, Clara would lead the Red Cross on countless service missions to towns and cities around the United States in need of emergency assistance.

Mr. Speaker, I am honoring Clara Barton because of the historic connection to Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. In 1889, Clara Barton and 50 Red Cross volunteers arrived in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to help the survivors of the Johnstown flood caused by a dam break which led to over 2,000 deaths.

Today, the house that served as the headquarters of the Red Cross and Clara's mission in Johnstown still stands on Main Street. This home is a piece of history in Johnstown, and residents are in the process of restoring it.

Clara Barton continued her service to helping others up until her passing in 1912. Today, over 140 years later, the Red Cross continues its service through its strong network of volunteers, donors, and partners. They continue to serve those in need by mobilizing the power of volunteers in times of emergencies.

Mr. Speaker, Clara Barton's passion for service is an example for us all. Her selflessness and determination to help others continues to inspire us today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of Pat Daugherty, a pillar of the Centre region and the Penn State community.

Pat Daugherty owned and operated the Tavern Restaurant for four decades in State College, Pennsylvania. He was a mentor to many, a friend to all, and a champion for our community.

Sadly, Pat passed away on November 7 at the age of 75. While his absence has been felt by friends, family, and loved ones, the outpouring of anecdotes and stories from those who have known Pat over the years has illustrated what can be truly described as a life well lived.

Pat first arrived in State College in the early 1960s for his freshman year at Penn State University and proceeded to make the area home. He was a two-time graduate of the university with a bachelor's and a master's degree in civil engineering.

While attending Penn State, Pat, like many students, worked an off- campus job. Pat's place of employment was a historic inn turned restaurant called The Tavern. It would only be a few years later that Pat would return to The Tavern, this time as its owner.

For the next 40 years, Pat welcomed students, staff, the Penn State nation, and visitors of all kinds to his restaurant. He always greeted them with a smile on his face and the goal to treat each person like family.

Pat loved the community and loved Penn State. He cared so much for his town and would do everything he could to make it a better place.

His drive to connect the community to the college and the college to the community was evident. Throughout the years of owning The Tavern, Pat employed hundreds of Penn State students. He is beloved by generations due to his years of mentorship.

He was always giving back; as an active volunteer and avid sports lover, Pat was a supporter of all Penn State athletic programs. The Tavern established several scholarships and an endowment for freestyle wrestling.

Leading up to Penn State's biggest philanthropic event of the year, THON, The Tavern was a frequent place for fundraisers and team meetings. The Tavern actively supported Mount Nittany Medical Center, Nittany Valley Symphony, Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra, as well as the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.

Pat was always putting his community first. His passion to help others and make the community a better place did not go unnoticed, and his contributions to State College cannot be overstated.

In 1999, Penn State named him the Renaissance Fund Honoree. This title is an annual tribute to someone for a lifetime of service to Penn State and the State College community through philanthropy and civic leadership. That year, contributions to the Renaissance Fund endowed three scholarships in honor of Pat, his mother, and Tavern alumni.

More than 20 years later, those scholarships are awarded to students with outstanding academic records who show the greatest financial need. Pat's philanthropy did not stop with the university. He continued to work to better the State College community, volunteering and serving among a variety of organizations.

He was a member of the Downtown Improvement District, where he played a significant role in the planning of the future of downtown State College. He served on the board of the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County and the Pennsylvania Restaurant Association.

He was always ready to lend a helping hand, and in 2019 the board of Centre County's Constitution Day celebration awarded Pat the inaugural James Madison Award for Civility in the Community.

Mr. Speaker, I have fond memories of meeting with Pat in the community and especially on Capitol Hill, when he would travel to Washington on behalf of the Pennsylvania Restaurant Association. We often shared a laugh, and during one visit he may have even shared the recipe for the Tavern's world renown ``Original Sin'' cocktail with my staff.

Pat Daugherty's work in the community goes well beyond being a restaurateur. For more of his years he was a pillar of the community, a mentor, and an avid supporter of Penn State University and the greater Centre region. Most of all, Pat was someone who everyone called a friend.

I extend my sincere condolences to Pat's wife Ruth, his children, Sam and Dawn, and his family and friends. Pat will be so truly missed, and his legacy will live on forever.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 80th anniversary of National Bible Week. In 1941, weeks before the United States entered World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared the week of Thanksgiving as National Bible Week.

This celebration recognizes the spiritual and historical significance of the Bible. It is a week where we can come together and celebrate this holy book. The Bible has shaped our Nation's history and continues to provide guidance to the lives of so many.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to live in a country where we can freely read the Scripture and worship the Lord without fear of persecution. The Bible is timeless and continues to provide us with words of wisdom, comfort, and guidance as we navigate unprecedented times.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to leave you with this verse from 2 Timothy 3:16. It is one that I keep close to my heart.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for

teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in

righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped

for every good work.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Redbank Valley Trails Association for winning the 2021 Thomas Petri Recreational Trails Program Achievement Award. This award recognizes top-notch projects that use recreational trails program funds to improve local trails.

In 2018, the Redbank Valley Trails Association and Allegheny Valley Land Trust completed the Climax Tunnel Rehabilitation project. Because the Redbank Valley Trail is a former rail corridor, much of the trail consists of old bridges and stone archways. To keep the trail functional and safe, restoring the tunnels, bridges, and arches are necessary.

Located in western Pennsylvania, the Redbank Valley Trail is a 51- mile non-motorized trail maintained mainly by volunteers.

Madam Speaker, after spending 30 years in the healthcare field before coming to Congress, I understand the importance of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The Redbank Valley Trail is a great option for residents and visitors alike to explore the great outdoors.

Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the Allegheny Land Trust for their dedication to keeping the Redbank Valley Trail healthy and accessible for years to come.

Madam Speaker, last week, on November 11, we celebrated Veterans Day. I rise today to thank our great men and women who answered the call to serve our country.

Our Nation recognizes the generations of brave men and women who have defended our freedoms and protected our great country from threats across the globe.

We owe the valiant men and women of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserves our unwavering support and gratitude.

In Congress, we must work to ensure veterans receive the care and support they so deserve, even after they transition from uniform to civilian lives. I am proud to support legislation in Congress focused on mental health and telehealth, spouses and families, and accountability from the VA.

Madam Speaker, our veterans and their families have given so much for this country and ask so little in return. I offer my sincere gratitude one last time to the men and women who have selflessly served our country in the United States military.

God bless our military and God bless the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, on November 4, 2021, I was unable to cast my vote for H.R. 3992, the Protecting Older Job Applicants Act.

Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 358.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Liberty Baptist Church located in Blanchard, Pennsylvania. This weekend, Liberty Baptist Church is celebrating a major milestone, their 150th anniversary.

What started with very humble beginnings at an abandoned German reform church in 1871, what started there has now blossomed into a vibrant congregation and community staple.

In 1872, Brother Runyon, the pastor at the time, described the congregation in a simple sentence: ``Wealth we have not, but warm hearts and willing hands we have.''

Those words ring true today. With warm hearts and willing hands, Liberty Baptist Church continues to give back to the community, whether it is a bake sale or potlucks to backpack ministries, Christmas caroling, and youth sports, the congregation at Liberty Baptist Church is happy to lend a helping hand.

Over the past 150 years, there were challenging times as well as times of great joy. It is clear, God shines on your members, your church leadership, and your pastors.

Congratulations on this monumental anniversary. May God continue to bless you all for the next 150 years.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National Grain and Feed Association as they celebrate 125 years of supporting every facet of the agricultural value chain.

Established as one of the first industry-based arbitration systems in North America, NGFA has transformed American farmers' bounties into safe, nutrition, sustainable, and affordable human and animal food.

The National Grain and Feed Association is a nonprofit trade association that serves more than 1,000 companies and 7,500 facilities. They continue to advocate for grain, feed, and processing interests of the complete value chain and promote the competitiveness of the United States of America.

In order to recognize this great achievement, House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott and I introduced a resolution celebrating the 125th anniversary celebrating the efforts of the NGFA in transforming the American farmer's bounty.

Madam Speaker, the National Grain and Feed Association has longstanding history and notoriety for their continual efforts toward supporting American producers and ensuring their competitiveness in agriculture.

Madam Speaker, I want to say congratulations on 125 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life and legacy of Martha Breene, a staple figure in Pennsylvania Republican politics.

Martha has been involved in politics since the 1960s. She was a phenomenal grassroots organizer, where she worked tirelessly on both local and national campaigns.

Martha did what she did because she loves this Nation and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She worked so hard to see that people are better served, and she did that through politics.

In 2004, she was the first women elected to serve as the Venango County Republican chairman. She retired in 2013, only to return to that role in 2017 where she served up until her passing this year.

I had the privilege of working with Martha and her late husband, Charlie, during my first election starting in 2008. Martha has always had the ability to motivate, and it is that quality that made her an exceptional leader. She was a force to be reckoned with and will be deeply missed in Venango County.

Mr. Speaker, my deepest condolences go to Martha's family and friends during this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the voice of agriculture in Pennsylvania and beyond, Mr. Dave Williams.

Dave has been a key voice in agriculture for more than 20 years. A farmer himself, Mr. Williams never expected to air on nearly 30 radio stations, three networks, and weekly PCN-TV.

His first show aired on WDNH-AM 1590 in 1998. He believed it was important to involve the consumers who buy and eat the foods so that they could have a better understanding. He was right. From there he went on to interview State and Federal legislators,

Governors, State agriculture officials, and of course, a lot of farm family stories.

In January of this year, David was the recipient of the Gerald W. Reichard Impact Award, given annually to someone who has had a significant overall impact on the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

Dave continues to use his platform for agriculture advocacy, highlighting the important work of farmers and ranchers in Pennsylvania and across the country.

Thank you, Dave, for your important work, and thank you for being a voice of agriculture.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the storied career of Admiral Craig Faller, commander of the U.S. Southern Command.

Admiral Faller is a native of Fryburg, Pennsylvania, a small town located in Clarion County, in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District.

His naval career started in 1983, following his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in systems engineering. From there, he went on to serve during the Gulf war.

During his service, Admiral Faller has held a variety of posts and positions, from supporting the United Nations' sanctions against Iraq and the humanitarian efforts following the devastating tsunami off Indonesia to supporting Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom. His service took him all over the world.

Regardless of location, either on the sea or shore, Admiral Faller consistently provided leadership and guidance.

Admiral Faller currently serves as commander of the U.S. Southern Command and will be retiring from the Navy at the end of this month.

Admiral Faller, thank you for your service to the United States of America. Your dedication to our country is admirable. Enjoy your retirement. You deserve it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very special individual from Brockway, Pennsylvania, Levi Lindemuth.

Earlier this year, Levi was watching ``Home Alone 2'' when he was inspired to do something to help children who are in the hospital. Combining his love of gardening and passion to help others, Levi started Levi's Hope Blossoms.

Levi started selling flowers in his hand-painted pots and cans for a $5 donation. All the proceeds from Hope Blossoms go to St. Jude hospitals, and so far Levi has made over 100 hope blossoms, raising nearly $1,000.

Levi's efforts to help St. Jude's stem from a serious complication that required surgery when he was 5 days old. Now a happy and healthy 7-year-old boy, Levi is committed to giving back to children who were once in his position.

Levi sells these colorful planters and can take personal design requests via his Facebook page, Levi's Hope Blossoms.

When asked why he started Hope Blossoms, Levi's answer was simple: ``I don't think kids should have to pay to be healthy.''

Mr. Speaker, Levi is an inspiration to all of us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize this week as National Forest Products Week.

In Pennsylvania, forest products have long been an essential industry by producing logs, lumber, furniture, paper, and more. These are products and materials that Americans nationwide use each and every day.

The forest products industry employs roughly 64,000 Pennsylvanians and generates $36 billion in total economic impact statewide.

I am proud to represent Pennsylvania's only national forest, the Allegheny National Forest. This incredible forest, established in 1923, spans more than half a million acres in the northern portion of my district, across Forest, Elk, McKean, and Warren Counties.

Whether it is forestry, energy production, timber harvesting, or an abundance of outdoor activities, Allegheny National Forest has it all.

For generations, the ANF has brought economic prosperity to our region, and it is essential that we are able to contribute to the longevity and

sustainability of the Allegheny National Forest.

In my role as Republican leader on the House Agriculture Committee, I am dedicated to putting forth policies that promote natural solutions to keep our forests healthy for generations to come.

These policies include working closely with the Forest Service, a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to manage our forests, foster healthier lands, and allow this economic engine to thrive.

By supporting the Forest Service and encouraging active stewardship, we can support healthy forests and rural communities for generations to come.

Currently, we have two bills focused on improving our forest management: the RESTORE Act from Doug LaMalfa from California and the FIRE Act from Dusty Johnson from South Dakota. These bills aim to improve and expedite forest management and restoration projects for healthier and more resilient forests.

Of course, we cannot talk about forest products without discussing the environmental benefits of a well-managed forest and forest productivity. We know the best solutions are natural solutions, not burdensome regulations or carbon taxes, but active innovation.

Landowners and foresters are among the strongest environmental advocates in our country. I recognize their efforts and continue to promote forest health by empowering the original stewards of our land.

According to the Forest Service, forests are sequestering 14 percent of all U.S. carbon emissions. That number could nearly double with policies that increase forest management, forest health, and forest production.

Active management, including timbering, holds the greatest potential for sequestering carbon and storing it indefinitely in forest products.

To help encourage new markets for forest products and forest health, I was proud to help lead the Timber Innovation Act. This bipartisan legislation, which was included in the 2018 farm bill, directly supports the development of cross-laminated timber and tall wood building construction.

Mr. Speaker, Forest Products Week is more than forestry or timber harvesting. It is a time to focus on the great resources our forests provide. From a natural habitat for wildlife, to an abundance of outdoor recreational activities, to carbon sequestration, to a strong rural economy, our forests, big and small, must continue to be utilized for our needs today and for our future generations.

Madam Speaker, last week, we celebrated National Farmer's Day. On October 12, we recognized farmers past and present for their hard work in providing our Nation and the world with food, fiber, and energy.

It is a day to thank those who work by acres not by hours. Did you know that only 2 percent of the population feed and sustain the other 98 percent?

On National Farmer's Day, we can pay tribute to the men, women, and families who put food in the grocery stores and on our kitchen tables.

In 2020, agriculture and related industries provided more than 10 percent of U.S. employment. While National Farmer's Day has already passed, it is never too late to show your support or to thank a farmer. Consider visiting a local farmers market where you can buy directly from local farmers or spend a fall afternoon with the family at a pick- your-own farm where you can get the freshest fall apples and pumpkins.

Madam Speaker, it is important for us to thank our farmers and recognize their hard work not just on National Farmer's Day, but all year round.

Madam Speaker, first of all, I thank my good friend and colleague for organizing and leading this leadership hour.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to address the Biden administration's energy crisis. This is a crisis that was created by the Biden administration.

Last week, the price of gas reached a 7-year high. In fact, in my home district, Pennsylvania-15, we are now paying anywhere from $3.49 to $3.67 a gallon--well over the price any American should have to pay.

In 2019 and 2020, the United States was a net total energy exporter. This means for the first time since the 1950s we were exporting more energy than importing. We were energy independent, and we saw the many benefits across all sectors of United States manufacturing, production, and consumption. For example, in 2020, the average gasoline price in the United States was $2.17 per gallon.

I am proud to represent a district and come from a State that plays such a large role in domestic energy production. In fact, Pennsylvania is the second largest producer of natural gas and the third largest net supplier of energy to other States. Without the energy production of my district and others in rural America, our cities would wake up cold, in the dark, and hungry. But President Biden chose to stifle American energy production, issuing executive order after executive order reducing and even pausing our own access to oil and natural gas.

In addition, the Biden administration has reached out to OPEC-Plus begging them to produce more oil which--let's not forget--is less environmentally friendly, less humane, and less regulated than United States sources.

Last week, I joined my colleagues in a letter to this administration opposing the pleas, the begging to OPEC-Plus, and encouraging the use of American produced energy to meet our current needs. We asked the administration to reverse the crushing executive orders impeding our own energy production and to work with Congress on issues affecting American energy security and supply. We know the answer to this self- imposed crisis: we must lift the limitations on our own energy supply.

By repealing these executive orders and encouraging American producers to harness our abundance of natural resources, we can meet our energy needs and we can ensure Americans and our allies have access to affordable, reliable, and exportable energy produced in the United States.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman, once again, for his leadership.